Pets

Each year thousands of animals are surrendered to local Humane Society shelters in Michigan. These Humane Society shelters rely solely on donations to sustain their operations, making the need for essential pet supplies substantial.

To aid these animals in need, Rainbow Child Care Center, a leading early childhood education provider, is introducing its Kids for Canines program. Rainbow is teaming up with humane societies across the state, including the Humane Society of West Michigan locally, to collect essential pet supplies for dogs waiting to be placed in their loving forever homes.

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) State Veterinarian Dr. James Averill announced the Michigan Companion Animal Welfare Fund check-off will fund projects totaling over $155,500 for 26 registered shelters in 2015.

The Michigan Animal Welfare fund was established under Public Act 132 of 2007 as a tax check-off to support animal shelters statewide. This year’s awards will go to the spaying and neutering of animals, fund registration fees for anti-cruelty training conferences, and help cover costs for protecting and caring for Michigan animals subjected to cruelty or neglect.

“Thanks to the generous support of Michiganders, local shelters will be able to train more staff on anti-cruelty, care for animals looking for their forever home, and conduct spay and neutering programs in their communities,” said Averill.

Last week, the planning commission decided to keep its livestock-to-land ratio rule the same. The ordinance came under question after Michael and Jamie Velting sent a letter to the township, asking for a change so they can raise more chickens to produce enough eggs for their family of seven. The couple said based on the current ordinance, which allows only one farm animal per acre of property, they can only raise two chickens. The Veltings said they do not understand how the space, housing and upkeep for two chickens can compare to larger livestock, like horses and cows; that’s why they were asking the township to increase the number of chickens allowed on residential property.

Planning Director Sue Becker says it's unclear if or when the issue will come up again, but it's not on the planning commission's agenda for next month.

In a letter sent to the township, Michael and Jamie Velting are calling for a change to the township ordinance so they can raise more chickens to produce enough eggs for their family of seven. The couple says based on the current ordinance, which allows only one farm animal per acre of property, they can only raise two chickens. The Veltings say they do not understand how the space, housing and upkeep for two chickens can compare to larger livestock, like horses and cows; that’s why the couple is asking the township to raise the ratio of chickens to property size.

The planning commission will take up the issue in a work session during Thursday’s meeting, which begins at 7:30 p.m.

Make a difference on Wednesday, October 22 for the precious cats of Crash's Landing by visiting one of 14 different Pizza Hut’s.

Print the flier from Crash Landing & Sid’s Sanctuary web site. Present the filier to one of 14 Pizza Hut locations from 11am – 11pm for Dine-in, Carry-out or Delivery to get 20% of your bill donated to Crash’s Landing and Sanctuary for their assistance with stray cats.

Crash’s Landing & Big Sid’s Sanctuary invites the community to participate in this worthy cause.

Print a flier from Crash’s Landing & Big Sid’s Sanctuary website below. On Wednesday, September 24 from 11am to 11pm the public is invited to present the coupon to any one of the 14 Pizza Hut locations and 20% of their total bill will be donated to Crash’s Landing & Big Sid’s Sanctuary. This is included for Dine-in, Carry out or Delivery.

The Flier has the list & addresses of the 14 participating Pizza Hut locations on the North & South side.

Print a flyer from Crash's Landing's website and present it to employees at any of the 14 participating Pizza Hut locations Wednesday to donate 20 percent of your total bill to Crash’s Landing & Big Sid’s Sanctuary. The benefit runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 27 and includes dine-in, carry out or delivery orders.

The flyer has the list and addresses of the 14 participating Pizza Hut locations in the Grand Rapids area.